Sotomo's survey also found that while two-thirds of respondents said living in a “rural idyll” was important to them, most also wanted to be close to their workplace.

“The desire for both... cannot always be realized in everyday life,” said the report.

“What's more, in the long term one thing comes at the expense of the other,” it added, blaming the desire for rural-but-connected living for contributing to urban sprawl that impinges on the countryside.

In terms of relationships, 67 percent expected “absolute loyalty” from their partner while only 47 percent would hold themselves to the same standard.

“The evaluation shows that Swiss people often want both,” said the report.

“They love freedom, but also security. They consider environmental sustainability as important but they do not want to do without enjoyment.”

“Fathers want to spend more time with their families... at the same time they increase their workload and invest in their career,” it added.